1
as in fragile
easily broken
a frail eggshell
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling
be careful with your grandmother, as she's very frail and a fall would be disastrous
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3
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
he was frail after a long battle with bronchitis
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4
as in weakened
lacking strength of will or character
a frail person, easily swayed by others
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5
as in small
small in degree
a frail hope of success
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of frail
There are numerous exemptions, such as pregnant women, caregivers, the medically frail, and others.
—
Anthony Digiorgio, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
Medicaid spends more than half its budget on medical and long-term care for frail, low-income older adults and younger people with disabilities, according to a KFF data note.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The book describes an alarmed crowd at the fundraiser ‒ which featured Biden, former President Barack Obama and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel on stage ‒ over Biden's apparent diminishment, frail presentation and meandering answers to mostly soft-ball questions from Kimmel.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025
In it, the pope appears alert but visibly frail, acknowledging the faithful in what would become his last public appearance.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frail
Anthony Digiorgio, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
Medicaid spends more than half its budget on medical and long-term care for frail, low-income older adults and younger people with disabilities, according to a KFF data note.
—Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
The book describes an alarmed crowd at the fundraiser ‒ which featured Biden, former President Barack Obama and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel on stage ‒ over Biden's apparent diminishment, frail presentation and meandering answers to mostly soft-ball questions from Kimmel.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025
In it, the pope appears alert but visibly frail, acknowledging the faithful in what would become his last public appearance.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frail
Adjective
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Their batting line-up appeared particularly fragile.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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When Klarna struck a partnership deal with food delivery group DoorDash in March, journalists seized on the notion of consumers paying for pizzas in installments as evidence of BNPL lenders tempting customers to overextend in a fragile economy.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Amino acids are more easily absorbed than proteins and do not damage the intestinal environment, which means even those with sensitive digestions can take them.—
MISAKI KAWATSU,
Vogue,
10 June 2025
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This principle, applied across all workloads, is instrumental for reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.—
Ben Blanquera,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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In sum, there is a weak case, at best, for some kind of standardization of non-financial KPIs.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Cell membranes are held up by small proteins called microtubules that keep the cell's shape rigid, but when the gravitational force changes — even though gravity on the ISS is only 10% weaker than on Earth — the cell's structure changes with it.—
Tom Brown,
Space.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Farmers watered their crops less, and saw smaller harvests as a result.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
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Yes, Georgia and Paul split this season as the blowback from the trial — and Paul's support of Proposition 38, disastrous for small businesses — imperiled his mayoral career.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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The name angel pie gives a few of this dessert's secrets away: The crust is a super delicate meringue that's crisp on the outside but marshmallowy on the inside.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
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While Ramsey was learning the delicate art of building firebreaks, a large fire broke out just outside the town.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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But much like the hug stepped on the larger point of supplementing the military base, images of Whitmer hiding behind the folders added to a narrative that Democrats are feeble in the face of Trump's power and influence.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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While Shawna and John were meant to be having a romantic anniversary dinner, Barb showed up unannounced and undermined Jennifer’s already feeble attempts at following the evening routine laid out for the young children.—
Sara Belcher,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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In language the rest of us can understand that means a slightly softer and more mellow click that’s quieter and less harsh than teh average mechanical keyboard.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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The Drop Fiona Relaxed Linen Dress Linen doesn’t have to come in soft and dainty colorways (even though it’s often associated with a beige or baby blue coastal grandma vibe).—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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The Senate holds a slim majority, and at least four Senators, including Paul, have publicly expressed concerns over parts of the bill (the others are Ron Johnson, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski).—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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But once the Pratt Street location was chosen, Levy saw chances as slim.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frail. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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